Jérôme Alonzo, 46, former goalkeeper and consultant for L’Équipe, has a clear-sighted view of Paris Saint-Germain’s defeat by Chelsea (0-3) in the final of the Club World Cup. In his view, PSG, who have won everything this season, saw their own better-than-his-own style reflected, and surpassed, by a hungry Chelsea team.
Alonzo “PSG played against the mirror. And, tonight the reflection was stronger.”
“Surprised by the match?
Chelsea offered Paris what Paris has been offering others for six months! Six months of commitment, youth and talent: this match had it all. PSG played against their own mirror. And tonight, the reflection was stronger. Much stronger.
I’m just appalled, I didn’t expect them to be at this level. I think they prepared very well for their match, so they inflicted on Paris what Paris has inflicted on everyone else for the last six months (…).
Alonzo “I liked everything I saw of Chelsea”.
I loved everything I saw of Chelsea and I obviously don’t blame Paris for ending this Dantesque season in this way, because there are many forms of logic, wear and tear… Wear and tear, yes and no, because Chelsea also played a lot. But the discipline and commitment shown from the very first seconds was quite incredible.”
The slap in the face inflicted by Chelsea could well be a blessing in disguise for Paris Saint-Germain. After a near-perfect season, marked by a domestic treble and a Champions League title, this defeat in the final of the Club World Cup acts as a salutary electroshock. Winning again would perhaps have settled the club into a certain comfort, an insidious satisfaction difficult to uproot.
Losing, on the other hand, forces introspection. It reminds the whole squad that domination is never a given, even for a team as rich in talent and youth as PSG. Luis Enrique has a young, promising squad at his disposal, but one that is still developing mentally.
This setback could rekindle their hunger, reactivate their demands and remind them that the very highest level is merciless. Dynasties are often born of failure, but it’s important to know how to turn it into a lever for progress.
